- George Chung
- Jul 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Who are the top rookies lighting up the Octagon in the first half of 2024?
Dive into our highly unofficial half-year nominees for the breakout stars making waves this year...
Kayla Harrison
It might seem strange to label the two-time Olympic gold medalist and longtime PFL standout as a newcomer, but Kayla Harrison's UFC debut in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Making her entrance at UFC 300 in April, Harrison scored a dominant second-round finish against former world champion Holly Holm. With just one fight, Harrison has already positioned herself as a title contender. The rest of the year promises to be exciting as she continues her journey.
Vinicius Oliveira
Vinicius Oliveira, a seasoned veteran, made a striking entrance to the UFC this year. After earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last September, the 28-year-old bantamweight made a splash with a double bonus-winning knockout of Benardo Sopaj in March. He followed that impressive performance with a victory over Ricky Simon, positioning himself as a rising star and knocking on the door of the Top 15.
Felipe Lima
Former Oktagon MMA bantamweight champion Felipe Lima couldn't resist a short notice offer to fight surging Muhammad Naimov in June. Despite moving up a weight class, Lima delivered a stunning third-round submission victory. His performance at 135 pounds makes him a serious threat in the bantamweight division.
Jean Silva
Jean Silva's weight miss last weekend didn't overshadow his memorable year. With a first-round stoppage of Westin Wilson in January and the first knockout loss handed to Charles Jourdain at UFC 303, Silva is proving to be a formidable force. His talent, power, and charisma will serve him well in the crowded featherweight division.
Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates, a veteran with 22 fights under his belt, won his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series and made a seamless UFC debut in February. His knockout of Trevin Giles earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Four months later, he repeated the feat by knocking out Charles Radtke in the first round. The welterweight division is an interesting place, and “The Nightmare” is poised to make significant strides.
Michael "Venom" Page
Already an established star, Michael “Venom” Page made his UFC debut with challenging matchups against Kevin Holland and Ian Machado Garry. With a 1-1 record, defeating Holland and losing a decision to Machado Garry, Page's unorthodox striking style remains a threat in the welterweight division.
Honorable Mentions
Other fighters who made an impact include Hyder Amil, Danny Barlow, Oumar Sy, and Zhang Mingyang. Keep an eye on these names as they continue to rise through the ranks.
